You’ve seen it in the movies. Just like the Mafias in Italy, you’ve got the Cartels in Mexico. A group you hope never to cross paths with, but what if I told you that as a tourist you are most likely entering their territory; would you cancel your trip? 

Before making any hasty decisions, let me tell you a quick story.

Location: Puerto Escondido, Mexico

On a very early morning, a friend and I were sleeping on a hammock when a rather freaked-out guy who works at the hostel had a story to get off his chest.

He seemed to open his heart too much and tell me that his boss, the hostel owner, asked him to hide drugs for him. And as far as his imagination could take him he hid it in his socks.

Earlier that night in a club, he was dragged for a quick interrogation in the men’s bathroom asking him where he got these drugs from and who is he working for.

Smartly and with zero ounce of loyalty he spilled the names letter by letter. Luckily for him, as the names mentioned had weight to them, he was released with a promise to be found dead if he was lying.

Suddenly, I wished I had kept my mouth shut when he initially asked me how was my night, instead of complaining about waiting 45 minutes for a burrito and sleeping on a hammock overnight.

Moral of the story? Do not get involved with the cartels, and extend your stay at your hostel well in advance when staying at a popular location.

In truth, cartel members are not hidden. They’re in the resorts you’re staying at, the clubs you go to, and are definitely good buddies with the policemen that you may or may not trust to begin with. 

But before you decide to avoid the drama altogether, you simply might have to relearn everything you consider normal. In Mexico, the policemen are known to be corrupt. It was recommended to avoid them because they will be the ones trying to scam you for money.

But generally, if you avoid things that may get you questioned (public drinking, carrying drugs, etc), they will have no excuse to fine you.

On the other hand, while involvement with the cartels is not recommended either, you shouldn’t be worried about trying to avoid their whereabouts for two reasons:

First, you’ll have to miss out on all the Mexican beach towns. Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Escondido … Seriously all.

Second, because the cartels may be the most viable to protect you. Why? It’s as simple as this:

The cartels want to sell drugs.

The biggest consumers are the tourists, especially rich Americans who come for the experience. 

Suppose there are any safety incidents or concerns that break out, their business will be the first to be affected. So anyone who causes that risk is taken out. And by out, I mean out of the face of the earth, not to be dramatic.

Two years ago in Puerto Escondido, it was said that there was a rape incident of a foreigner. The cartels were quick to find the guy and murder him.

Yes, they’re serious about safety, for more business reasons than ethical ones.

So as a tourist, you are more protected than the locals. But for the previously mentioned “business” reason you are not immune either if you get in their way.

Drug Searches:

As drug fuelled as these areas tend to be, there were many drug searches. In clubs, streets, the beach at night.

The reasons are simple and don’t include anything about a drug clean up. It’s really to ensure that the supplies are coming from the right source.

So after a full body search before entering a club, you’ll get in only to find people selling you the same thing they were searching you for. It’s not banned, it’s just “regulated”.

To be fair, they never push drugs on you; once you tell them no, they just tell you to enjoy your night and to take care of your health. As for outside the club, the police might search you, so if they find something on you they will fine you.

So its really up to you how much risk you’re willing to put yourself in. That’s why I will stand by my opinion that these areas are safe. It’s safe if you act accordingly.

Extra safety tips for your peace of mind:

• It was usually recommended not to walk long distances at night and to take a taxi instead. (I may or may not have breached this guideline)

• Don’t carry lots of money with you and say your credit card is empty if you get searched by the police. If they are planning to fine you, they will take as much money as they can from you.

• Don’t act fearful and know your rights. Sometimes mentioning that you will get your embassy involved can get you out of trouble.

• Speak English! While I usually recommend the opposite, in these situations, it is more handy that they know you are a tourist.

Why visit Puerto Escondido?

You might want to ask, would I still recommend going to a town like Puerto Escondido? I would say absolutely!

People’s experience in the beach town was different depending on their interests; it was wholesome, fun, crazy, peaceful, wild but mostly all positive and, in one way or another, an entertaining holiday spot.

What differentiated Puerto Escondido from Merida is that it was still somewhat pure or at least less gentrified. Unlike Merida, the beaches aren’t privately owned by hotels, so locals and travellers still have access.

Also, since it’s not all resorts, whether you’re a hippie backpacker or the polar opposite you’ll surely find your place comfortably in town.

Want more untouched hidden gems in Mexico? Check out Mazunte, and the most remote location of all, Chacahua. Thank me later.